Over-50s 'more active than ever'

New research has indicated that middle-aged people are in better shape now than they were in their younger days, thanks to increased awareness of health matters and improved eating habits.

According to a poll carried out by Engage Mutual, seven out of ten over-50s questioned said they did more exercise than in their youth, while one-quarter felt physical activity had become a key part of their social lives.

"It's great that so many people feel so fit in their 50s and above," said spokeswoman Louise Withy.

"Current predictions for life expectancy state that men aged 65 could expect to live another 17 years and women ... another 20."

The survey also suggested that having more spare time on their hands had given older people an incentive to keep fit. Just under one-third revealed they had been motivated by a desire to help out more in looking after grandchildren.

Last week, a study from the Harvard School of Public Health suggested that eating a healthy diet is a more effective way of losing weight than simply tracking the number of calories consumed.